If there was ever a month to feel proud as a South African, June would be it! Here at SAA, we are honoured about the role we are playing. From welcoming the world to our shores to transporting Bafana Bafana to their various soccer matches. You can count on SAA for all your local and regional flights needs. After all, there's a reason why we've won the Best Airline in Africa for eight years running...

From everyone at SAA, we wish you a festive 2010 FIFA World Cup™ and the very best of luck to Bafana Bafana!

Over June and July, more people than ever before will enjoy their first African experience. That's why we decided to highlight a few of Africa's gems...

Tanzania

The largest country in East Africa, Tanzania boasts the highest mountain on the continent, the exotic spice islands of historical Zanzibar, and the famous Serengeti National Park whose seemingly endless plains stage one of the greatest spectacles of animal behaviour, the annual migration of millions of wildebeest and zebra followed by their predators.

Kenya

Kenya has a sophisticated tourism infrastructure, with two major cities controlling the majority of the tourism trade. Nairobi, the capital, is the safari and hiking hub, situated in the cool Central Highlands, while on the east coast the hot and humid trading port of Mombasa functions as the gateway to the resorts and pristine beaches of the area.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe offers an astounding variety of natural beauty and spectacular scenery. The country holds great appeal for active adventurers, outdoor enthusiasts and those with an appreciative eye for exquisite beauty - from the majesty of the famous Victoria Falls, to the giant marble-like boulders of the Motopo Hills. Highlights include the verdant mountains of the Eastern Highlands as well as the national parks teeming with wildlife.

Uganda

Uganda is one of the continent's most beautiful countries, boasting a wide variety of scenery, culture and wildlife despite its modest size. Its reputation as 'Africa's friendliest country' is not only accredited to its likeable people, but also to its redevelopment as an eco-friendly environment, with the enlightened management of 10 national parks, and its introduction of eco-tourism projects, adventure sports and unique gorilla-trekking opportunities that have put the country back on the tourist circuit.

Zambia

The big, beautiful country of Zambia is situated in the heart of the African sub-continent, untainted by commercial tourist development, but nevertheless well-equipped to allow visitors to experience the warmth, excitement, challenges and adventures of the real Africa. The country's prime attraction is the spectacular, breathtaking Victoria Falls on the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Flight Specials

*Above fares are on a return basis, inclusive of all taxes and are subject to change due to currency fluctuations.Terms and conditions apply. For fares from other cities please visit www.flysaa.com

... and navigate to 'Plan Your Trip' >> Specials

General News

South African Airways voted for 8th consecutive year as Best Airline in Africa

Johannesburg, 24 May 2010: South African Airways (SAA) has, for the 8th consecutive year, been voted the Best Airline in Africa. The South African national carrier has also been named winner of the category Staff Service Excellence Africa in the Skytrax World Airline Awards.

The awards were presented on the 20th of May 2010 at the 11th Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg, Germany. Some 40 different airlines from around the world gathered to receive their accolades, which were handed out by Mr Edward Plaisted, Chairman of Skytrax.

Mr. Michael Bentele, SAA Head of Europe received the two awards on behalf of the South African national carrier. "SAA is very proud to be the winner of the two prestigious awards. We want to express our appreciation to our customers who have consistently voted SAA the best in Africa," said Bentele.

Award winners are selected by the airline industry's most important audience - its customers.

"Winning in this year's World Airline Awards, which have gained worldwide esteem and respect, will always have a special place at SAA. The two prestigious awards were announced 21 days before the 2010 FIFA World Cup. They come at a time when SAA has confirmed its readiness for the greatest sporting event on the planet and the largest ever to be held on the African continent. Thousands of SAA customers can look forward to travelling onboard Africa's most awarded airline," said Mr. Fani Zulu, SAA Head of Group Corporate Affairs.

About the World Airline (Skytrax) Awards

The World Airline Awards™ are based on results from 17.94 million questionnaires completed by 100 different nationalities of airline passengers between July 2009 and April 2010, involving more than 200 airlines worldwide.

The survey measures over 35 different aspects of passenger satisfaction for each airline's product and service standards - evaluating the 'typical' travel experience across both Airport and Onboard environments. Operating since 1999, the survey is held in highest esteem for its clarity of process and rigorously applied rules of complete independence.

The awards are recognised around the world, renowned for being the only truly global, independent passenger survey of airline standards. The survey does not receive any outside or third-party sponsorship. The World Airline Awards celebrate their 11th anniversary in 2010, with representatives from airlines across the globe attending the Awards ceremony in Hamburg on 20th May 2010.

Past SAA World Airline (Skytrax) Awards

Over the years SAA has received several awards, making the South African national carrier the most awarded airline in Africa. Some of the past Skytrax awards include

Best Airline in Africa (8 consecutive years including 2010)

2009 SAA was ranked as being amongst the world's top 15 international airlines for both its Business and Economy Class products and service

2009 SAA moved up two spots for its Business Class product as number 11 in the top 15

SAA rated number 14 in economy class, again mostly topped by the Asian/Middle East carriers. Our economy class seat is now ranked number two in the world.

2008 SAA was awarded for the Best Airline in Africa and Best Cabin Crew in Africa

Issued by SAA Group Corporate Affairs.

Upcoming Events

The top names and seeds vie for victory in the final Grand Slam event of the season in New York each year. Singles, doubles, men's and ladies, and mixed doubles make up the five separate tournaments within the championship. Held annually at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park in Queens, the event dates back to 1881 when it was played in the State of Rhode Island as a men's singles event only and it was not until 1968 that The US Open took the shape and structure that it has today.

Site of the final race of the Formula One season, the bumpy Interlagos Circuit is not a favourite with the drivers, but for spectators it is one of the most thrilling and vibrant of circuits. The stands are often filled with Brazilian green and yellows as locals of Sao Paulo cheer on their resident native and 2006 winner Filipe Massa. The track is 10 miles (16km) away from the city centre.

As the name suggests, this route is a casual, relaxed experience. Like a fine wine, it is meant to be enjoyed at leisure and taken in stride. 20 venues along the banks of the Vaal River are selected each year to showcase South Africa's most elegant wines, over a designated period of time. The route can be travelled by car, taxi or river cruiser. Game drives at the neighbouring reserves, golf on the nearby courses or a visit to the Emerald Casino (which has an indoor water world, bowling and miniature golf facilities) are optional side meanders for an enjoyable family outing.

Functionality (Did You Know?)

Mobile-Optimised flysaa.com Services

South African Airways has it's very own mobile portal allowing customers to access comprehensive travel and airline information from just one point of reference, anywhere, anytime, using your cellphone.

By visiting m.flysaa.com on your internet enabled device travellers have access to the mobile-optimised flysaa.com services:

check your itinerary

airline flight schedules

lounger finder

flight arrival and departure information

destination information

weather forecasts for any city in the world

currency converter

baggage tracing

view your Voyager Mileage status

The portal is also currently available in six languages; English, German, Spanish, French, Portuguese and Traditional Chinese.

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